How Beauty Queens From Different Countries Have Changed Over the Last 100 Years

It’s no surprise to anyone that beauty standards have changed throughout history. What is attractive one day is obsolete the next, and that is easily observable in today’s trends. However, this phenomenon was occurring already many years ago, just at a slower pace. Beauty changes depending on your country, people’s traits, and time. If you compare what we understand as beautiful today with what people in the past thought that was, you’ll perceive great contrasts.

1. Italy

Italian opera singer Lina Cavalieri was named the most beautiful woman in the world. She was also one of the most photographed celebrities of her time. She received a lot of diamonds from Aleksandr Baryatinsky, a noble princely family representative. In 1906, the media wrote that Cavalieri’s heroine Violetta wore jewelry worth more than 50 thousand dollars to the opera La Traviata.

One of the most beautiful women in Italy today is a 28-year-old model and actress called Giusy Buscemi. In 2012, she received the Miss Italy title and is now building a career in film. She recently appeared in Medici.

2. China

Anna May Wong was the first Hollywood film actress of Chinese origin to become famous. Born in the United States in 1905, she dreamed of becoming an actress from an early age. Anna is one of the first Asian women to appear on a movie screen. Previously, the roles of Oriental women were played by girls of European appearance: for example, in 1915, Mary Pickford played a Japanese girl in the drama Madame Butterfly.

Soon, the oriental beauty became a real star and style icon; however, she wasn’t too popular in China: many Chinese believed that May’s work in Hollywood disgraced the Celestial Empire.

Now China has its own cinema industry, and one of its main stars is the 29-year-old model and actress of Uyghur origin Dilraba Dilmurat. In 2017, the TC Candler publishing house included the girl in the list of the 100 most beautiful faces in the world. Dilraba overtook Margot Robbie, Natalie Portman, and Emilia Clarke in the ranking.

3. Egypt

In 1927, the first Egyptian beauty contest was held in Egypt. And in 1934, Charlotte Wassef received the title of the first beauty queen of the state, and a year later, she took the crown at the Miss Universe pageant in Brussels. Today, one of the most prominent Egyptian women is actress Yasmine Sabri. In 2020, her face was included in the ranking of the most beautiful women in the world, according to TC Candler.

4. France

The dancer Cléo de Mérode is considered the first true celebrity and the first woman whose images were sold worldwide. Her striking appearance made her a favorite of photographers and the best artists and sculptors of the time. The magazine L’Illustration chose Cléo in 1896 as the most beautiful girl of her time. At the same time, critics believed that Cléo de Mérode did not have many talents for dance and that her success in this type of art was due to her exceptional beauty.

Today, they say that one of the most beautiful French women of our time is the 23-year-old model Camille Hurel. The girl paraded on the catwalks of Dior, Valentino, Fendi, Chanel, Alberta Ferretti, and Versace. In 2018, Hurel was included in The Hot List of models.com.

5. Denmark

Danish silent film actress Asta Nielsen was the first world-class movie star and the highest-paid performer of her time. Because she played passionate female roles, Nielsen’s films were censored in the United States, and her work remained relatively obscure to American audiences, but Asta was adored in Europe. Poems were even dedicated to her sensibility.

Modern Danish actress Clara Rugaard cannot yet boast the same frenzied popularity, but she is gradually gaining worldwide fame. She starred alongside Elle Fanning in the Hollywood film Teen Spirit, and also starred in the film I Am Mother with Hilary Swank. For this work, she has been named the new star of science fiction.

6. Spain

The Spanish dancer Carolina Otero was one of Cléo de Mérode’s rivals for the title of the most beautiful woman of the time. Among her admirers were William II, Nicholas II, Leopold II, Alfonso XIII, Edward VII, Aristide Briand, Gabriele D’Annunzio, and many others.

One of the most beautiful Spaniards today is the model Alejandra Alonso. She was the face of Armani Exchange and has collaborated with Chanel, Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, and many other well-known brands.

7. Japan

In 1908, the literary magazine Bungaei Kurabu announced a Japanese beauty contest. Ninety thousand women participated, and first place was won by the geisha Manryu. The girl’s only drawback at the time was considered to be her small nose. Manryu became a real star: posters with her portraits were instantly sold out, and poems and songs were composed in her honor.

One of the most beautiful women in modern Japan is Honda Tsubasa, an actress, model, and TV show host. Fans appreciate the girl not only for her beautiful appearance but also for her intelligence and wit.

8. Great Britain

Lovely actress Lily Elsie has been considered the most photographed woman in the UK during the Edwardian era. The girl’s beauty was very popular: she was filmed for advertising products and postcards. Men showered the star with gifts, and women tried to imitate her in everything. “Everyone agreed that Lily Elsie had the most attractive lips in all of England,” the media wrote.

One of the most attractive actresses in the UK today is Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. She has been included in lists of the most beautiful women in the world more than once. And the funny thing is that she looks a bit like Lily Elsie.

9. United States

The first modern beauty pageant took place in Atlantic City in 1921. Journalists created the title “Miss America” for the winner, 16-year-old Margaret Gorman, who became its first owner. The girl received $100 as a gift.

Now the owner of the Miss America crown is 26-year-old Camille Schrier. She received her title in 2019. Participation in beauty contests for girls is a hobby. She is seriously interested in pharmaceuticals and plans to continue her studies.

10. Turkey

Turkey was one of the first countries where beauty contests were held. In 1932 pianist Keriman Halis Ece won the title. In the same year, she won first place representing her country in the Miss Universe contest.

One of the most beautiful Turkish women of our time is the 24-year-old model and actress Nursena Say. She is Miss Turkey 2022 and a graduate of architecture.

How are the most beautiful women in your country?